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E39 (1997 - 2003) The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki

These are all the parts of the front driver side window regulator. Part number 51338252393. You can check for the other part numbers in www.realoem.com. The body shop that I took my car to, took it completely apart. I had no idea how it was before. I wanted to rebuild it. I will try to give a step my step instructions. It might come handy if you accidentally manage to dismember it, or if you are trying to rebuild one.

1. Connect this piece into the large metal plate. It will snap in.

2. There are two hinges like this one on the piece.

3. They will snap into these holes. Press hard and it is in. It might come out a few times while you are trying to assemble it. Try not to apply force in a direction that will separate the plastic from the metal plate. It will come off many times, but you will get the hang of it after awhile.

4. You should attached the white plastic to this side of the plate.

5. And here it is. The easy part is done.

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MatWiz"The greatest thing about the internet, is that you can quote something and totally make up the source." - George Washington.

1. This is the bottom side of the wheel. This side will go into the deep inside the plastic plate. Notice the direction it goes in.

2. Here it is again. Notice the little ring inside the wheel. This will snap into the plastic plate and will hold it in place.

3. This side will face up when you install the wheel inside the deep. This side interfaces with the window motor. You will need to connect the motor to the window regulator just before you install it into the door.

4. This is how it will go in. If you will place the wheel inside the deep, you'll notice that it will not go flush with the plate, but it will be about 3mm higher. If you press it with your thumb, it will snap in. You will only be able to take it out using pliers. Grab it by the ribs above and pull up. Don't pry it out, or you will ruin the grooves. Look at the ring inside the deep in the plastic plate. The ring inside the wheel (picture 1 & 2 above) will snap into this. Don't put it in yet.

5. The ends of the wire needs to go here. The nest pictures will show how. You will install the wheel in the deep after the wire is put around the wheel.

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MatWiz"The greatest thing about the internet, is that you can quote something and totally make up the source." - George Washington.

Hey quick question, my window quit on me today, took the door apart and it appears the cable is frayed... im not sure if there are any other broken parts (need to get the torx bit to take the window out tomorrow), but from your experiance, would I be able to just replace the cable if that is the only problem? Any idea how long the cable is that comes with the regulator?

You didn't mention HOW you were able to get the ribbed black plastic spring stop tensioner on, given the six-inch spring is very strong.
But, it looks like you covered most of what I'll need.

Any additional reassembly suggestions will be appreciated!

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Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need

I need to explain why I stopped midway through this thread... But the stooopid reason is that my camera's battery got drained midway and I could not take more photos. So toward the end I started skipping steps, and then my battery was dead. Bummer.

If anyone in the future wants to ask questions, post the question here, but DO send me a PM because otherwise I wouldn't know you posted here.

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MatWiz"The greatest thing about the internet, is that you can quote something and totally make up the source." - George Washington.

The key question, at the moment, is how to get the tension back to what it needs to be.

Currently, this is where I am:

You seem to have stopped at exactly this point! It looks like you have a picture of one side wound, but not the other.
In addition, you seem to have left the big spring in place - but you don't explain how to adjust the black ribbed spring-stopper - which - I might add - is extremely hard to insert (and especially hard with the spring compressed!).

So, here's my key question:

Q: What is the procedure to wind the spool and to adjust the tension?
(keeping in mind that larger spring is very strong!)

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Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need

For others, here's a good set of links:
- How to diagnose and replace a BMW E39 front driver side door window regulator (1) and how to remove a BMW E39 front passenger side door window regulator (1) (2) & the unintuitive trick to effortlessly loosen and tighten the astronomical cable tension without damaging the front door window regulator (1) & how to rebuild and restring your current E39 front door window regulator (1) & scores of pictures showing how NOT to remove & repair your front door window regulators (1)

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Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need

Your role in this is to expand our tribal knowledge in sourcing and replacing the rollers.

__________________

Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need

I replaced my plastic rollers with brass ball-bearing patio door rollers I bought at Lowes. Cost me 4 bucks for two of them and they work like a charm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebee

Was it these Lowe's rollers?
Or maybe these?
Or, maybe even these?

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Please read the suggested threads, where the best always add value to those threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same problem stands on your shoulders.
See also: E39 Bestlinks & How to easily find what you need